Former state Senator Jim Brulte campaigns for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Former state Senator Jim Brulte campaigns for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

Former state Senator Jim Brulte campaigns for chairman of the... Photo-4270446.57722 - NewsTimes

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Former state Senator Jim Brulte poses for a portrait March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Former state Senator Jim Brulte poses for a portrait March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

Former state Senator Jim Brulte poses for a portrait March 1, 2013... Photo-4270445.57722 - NewsTimes

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Former state Senator Jim Brulte campaigns for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Former state Senator Jim Brulte campaigns for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

Former state Senator Jim Brulte campaigns for chairman of the... Photo-4271710.57722 - NewsTimes

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Former state Senator Jim Brulte talks to Contra Costa delegate Kim Lefebvre, right, while campaigning for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Former state Senator Jim Brulte talks to Contra Costa delegate Kim Lefebvre, right, while campaigning for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Former state Senator Jim Brulte poses for a portrait March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Former state Senator Jim Brulte poses for a portrait March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

Former state Senator Jim Brulte poses for a portrait March 1, 2013... Photo-4270452.57722 - NewsTimes

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Former state Senator Jim Brulte campaigns for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Former state Senator Jim Brulte campaigns for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

Former state Senator Jim Brulte campaigns for chairman of the... Photo-4271711.57722 - NewsTimes

Image 9 of 10

Former state Senator Jim Brulte, left, goes over his schedule with campaign manager Michael Schroeder while taking a break from campaigning for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention March 1, 2013 in Sacramento, California. less

Former state Senator Jim Brulte, left, goes over his schedule with campaign manager Michael Schroeder while taking a break from campaigning for chairman of the California Republican Party at their convention ... more